With several bestselling crime novels under his belt, author Jeffery Deaver knows best when it comes to the formula for cooking up another crime success. “The October List” is no different. The fast-paced fiction is a complex, page-turning thriller with one big twist — it begins with the end.

Deaver dives into the climax of the story by beginning with the last chapter of the book and progressing backwards. He quickly introduces Gabriela McKenzie, a mother desperate to reclaim her kidnapped daughter. The same chapter introduces Daniel Reardon, McKenzie’s handsome and wealthy companion, whom she has only known for two days, and Joseph Astor, the sadistic kidnapper. Although the novel begins in vague fashion, it is precisely this technique that keeps readers enticed, as Deaver leaves deliberate clues that come together as the book progresses.

Early on in the novel, Gabriela and Daniel have several encounters with the police as they venture off in search of the coveted October List — a mysterious list left behind by Gabriela’s boss, which everybody is trying to acquire. This list is also the key to reclaiming Gabriela’s daughter. As the two heroes tear up Manhattan in order to find the list, a series of compelling characters arise to further complicate the matter at hand.

Although Deaver focuses the plot on Gabriela and Daniel’s journey to retrieve ransom for Gabriela’s daughter, the novel itself is built upon several different stories. Deaver masterfully weaves in the lives of smaller characters, like mob boss Hal Dixon, leaving readers with all the dots to connect the story, but no pencil.

Deaver purposefully places vague details throughout the chapters, making the reader completely blind and ill informed in comparison to the characters of the novel. With the readers left in the dark, it is only natural for an onslaught of questions to follow — who is the man in the yellow shirt? Why is Gabriela bleeding from her mouth? How did Gabriela and Daniel meet? And, most importantly, how will Gabriela find her daughter?

Deaver leaves a trail of loose ends that requires the reader to take a leap of faith in trusting that the story will tie up nicely. It is not until the very last chapter of the novel that Deaver fully explains the origins of Gabriela, Daniel and the October List and pieces together the blanks.

Although “October” is an addictive read, the journey is unfortunately far more interesting than the destination. With the entire basis and meaning of the book stuffed into the very last chapter, the ending feels unfair in relation to the story that preceded it.

Ultimately, “The October List” is fast-paced and well developed. It provides a refreshing approach to the standard crime novel, as it requires readers to think just as much as the characters do. Even though the ending seems short-changed, the novel’s engrossing nature makes it a must-read.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Oct. 1 print edition. Ashley Ahn is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].